Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in the Water-Moon Form (Shuiyue Guanyin), 12th century
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Wood, gesso and pigmentsexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 99.24.2
On View in Gallery 200expand_more
Of the many manifestations of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, perhaps none was more prevalent in East Asia than the uniquely Chinese form known as “Water-Moon Avalokiteshvara,” which later also spread to Korea and Japan. This form of the bodhisattva presides over his own paradise, Potolaka, which is described in scripture as a rugged seaside cave from which Avalokiteshvara could admire the reflection of the moon in the water. Appropriately, he appears meditative and relaxed and is seated informally in the “royal-ease” posture. Ornately dressed, with silk robes, fluttering sashes, jewelry, and an elaborate hairstyle, he also wears a headpiece that features an image of Amitābha, the buddha to whom Avalokiteshvara attends. Believers might look to a sculpture like this as a guide for their own journeys toward enlightenment.
Explore
Audio
Details
- Title
- Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in the Water-Moon Form (Shuiyue Guanyin)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 99.24.2
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.